Researchers in the UK are eager to find out whether blood-sucking worms – hookworms – might have an effect on the immune system and be used for effective treatment for asthma and other allergies. Researchers from the University of Nottingham say these worms may even have therapeutic benefits for patients with diabetes type 1 and multiple sclerosis.

The researchers explain that for over 30 years data has indicated that individuals infected with tropical hookworms never seem to suffer from allergies. It might not be a coincidence that asthma is virtually completely absent in areas where hookworms are found, but growing where they are not.

People of African descent who live in developed countries suffer from Crohn’s disease, while Africans living in Africa, where these worms are much more common, hardly ever do.

Scientists believe hookworms force their host’s immune system to work less actively. Humans with over-active immune systems suffer from allergies, such as asthma and Crohn’s disease, much more commonly than people whose immune systems are not over-active.

Dr David Pritchard (resource no longer available at www.nottingham.ac.uk) and team are carrying out experiments to find out whether hookworms can be useful in the treatment of auto-immune diseases (over-active immune systems).

— “The Worm That Turned” – Nottingham University

What is a Hookworm?

A hookworm is a parasite – a parasitic nematode worm – that exists in the small intestine of the host. The host may be any type of several mammals, including humans. There are two types that typically infect human beings:

— Ancylostoma duodenale: Found in the Middle East, North Africa, India and Europe.

— Necator americanus: Found in the Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, China and Indonesia.

It is estimated that about 800 million people are infected with hookworms globally.

A person who is infected may experience anemia. The worms are insatiable blood-suckers and damage the mucosa (in the gut). Loss of blood is not possible by inspecting the stools; you cannot see the blood loss by checking the patient’s excrements.

Hookworms are a major cause of child and maternal morbidity in the tropical and subtropical regions of the developing world. They can cause intellectual, cognitive and growth retardation in vulnerable children, as well as intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity, and low birth weight.

Even though infection is hardly ever fatal, a heavily infected person can experience considerable health problems.

Written by: Christian Nordqvist